Food poisoning cases linked to ‘banh mi’ in Ho Chi Minh City rise to 162

According to the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health, 162 patients had been admitted as of Saturday afternoon, following the first cases reported on Thursday.

Patients developed symptoms after eating 'banh mi' from two Banh Mi Coc outlets on Nguyen Thai Son Street in Hanh Thong Ward and Le Quang Dinh Street in Binh Loi Trung Ward.

Tang Chi Thuong, director of the health department, said four hospitals had recorded food poisoning cases linked to the shop, including Military Hospital 175, Tam Anh General Hospital, Gia Dinh People’s Hospital, and Binh Dan Hospital.

By Saturday morning, 47 patients had been discharged, while the others remained under treatment.

Most patients experienced nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, fever, and fatigue, with severity varying among the individuals.

One notable case involved a woman at 34 weeks pregnant who ate the bread bought from the Le Quang Dinh branch and is currently at risk of premature labor.

The Ho Chi Minh City Food Safety Department has suspended the shop’s operations and inspected both branches, collecting food and environmental samples for testing, according to Nguoi Lao Dong (Laborer) newspaper.

Laboratory tests showed elevated white blood cell counts and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, while clinical evidence suggests a bacterial intestinal infection, most likely caused by Salmonella.

Inspectors said the shop holds a business registration license issued by local authorities in 2020, and its owner has a valid Certificate of Food Safety Knowledge.

Investigators said they are continuing to probe the food poisoning case.

Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper found that the shop is a well-known 'banh mi' brand that has been in business for more than 30 years, attracting a large customer base and strong local patronage.